wet-dry return/overflow question

[muddybob]

I have a tank with 5 turtles (mud and musk) and about 16 Cory catfish. The tank is 8' long, 3' wide, and 17" high with 12" of water, about 180 gallons. The sump has another 28 gallons. The tank is drilled and has a return and overflow in each back corner. I am going to be breaking the tank down soon and have an opportunity to make any changes I feel would be beneficial.

I have often wondered if anyone has done any studies on flow efficiency with wet/dry filters. For example, would having the two returns in one corner and two overflows in the opposite corner be more efficient than a one return and overflow in each corner together? Or having the overflows in the back corners and returns in the middle of the tank? If anyone is aware of the various configuration advantages, I'd appreciate your help. Someone must have done some testing with dyes or something. Thanks.

 

[KYeasting]

Well, I could tell you some stuff about a numerical standpoint and you could draw some conclusions from it. A case where you have 2 intakes and 2 returns could allow an equal or greater volume of water to flow at a lower velocity than that compared to a single intake and return. Translation: If you're looking for a high volumetric flowrate and a low intake/discharge velocity, then having a larger area for water to flow through would be to your benefit!

 

[Pharaoh]

Well, other than having the overflows and returns at opposite ends would eliminate more dead spots, I couldn't begin to run any real numbers other that flow rate info.